§ 57. Sir J. D. REESasked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that a practice in Middlesex worth £1,500 before the passing of the National Insurance Act is now unsaleable; whether he is aware that doctors who, for reasons of health or otherwise, are only able to perform consulting work in their own houses and are unable to join the panels will be ruined, since as many as 80 per cent, of their patients will become insured persons; and whether he will inquire into these effects of the National Insurance Act?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave him to a similar question on 1st January, to which I have nothing to add.
§ Sir J. D. REESDoes the right hon. Gentleman notice that this is another case, and, as he doubts the generality of my statement, will he take into account the fact that there are many such cases, and make an inquiry?
§ Mr. MASTERMANIt is far too early to make an inquiry. All I can say is that as a result of the working of the National Insurance Act the practices of many doctors will probably be doubled in value.
§ Sir J. D. REESDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that the medical profession are no judges of their own business?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe members of the medical profession are coming in to work the Act in large numbers.
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe must not have this controversy raised at Question Time.